From a statement issued by Agexport:

Guatemala, June 26, 2017. A 25% reduction in transportation and logistics costs, 75% bilateral free trade, speeding up of commercial procedures through electronic platforms, and use of the Central American Single Invoice and Statement (Fyduca) as an export document and invoice at the same time, are examples of the practical and concrete benefits that will be provided as of today as a result of the Guatemala - Honduras Customs Union which will comply with the tax payment process that corresponds to the merchandise.

Today, a historic event is taking place because the Customs Union between Guatemala and Honduras is in force, which will generate growth in the industry of the two countries, specifically, in the case of Guatemalan exports which grow from 0.6% to 1.6% and those of Honduras from 0.8% to 2.4%; In addition to increasing tax collections and another favorable aspect which is that foreign investment will be encouraged since we will be a market of 30 million inhabitants.

More on this topic

Northern Triangle: More Negotiations for Customs Union

January 2019

Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras have yet to finalize their Customs Union, since this week a new round of negotiations began in which they will follow up on the project to implement the advance declaration.

Although in December 2018 it was reported that the El Poy integrated border post in Chalatenango, the first to have the necessary infrastructure to operate within the framework of the customs integration of the Northern Triangle, began operating in El Salvador, the unification process is currently under negotiation among the countries.

Customs Union: Good Results, But Improvement Still Needed

June 2018

Reduced times to move goods through customs posts and an increase in bilateral trade are some of the results of the first year of the Customs Union between Guatemala and Honduras.

Twelve months after the entry into force of the treaty between the two countries, trade figures have favored the two Central American countries.  In 2017, exports from Honduras to Guatemala totaled $384 million, 16% more than in 2016, and sales made from Guatemala to Honduras amounted to $967 million, which is equivalent to a 6% increase.  

Guatemala-Honduras Customs Union

February 2015

Both governments announced that they have signed an agreement to unify customs in order to expedite the transport of vehicles and people, with effect from 1 June.

With this agreement, it is expected that the border between the two nations will be fully liberated for both freight and passengers in December. Immigration procedures will be carried out online or in an office to be located near the border area.

Central American Customs Union is Essential

June 2012

The Central American Customs Union is the most important tool for increasing trade in the region and generating the economies of a scale necessary to compete in the global market.

The Federation of Chambers of Exporters of Central America, Panama and the Caribbean (FECAEXCA) has released a statement in which it urges “the Ministers of Economy of the region to redouble their efforts so that the processes of the Customs Union can acquire the necessary priority and speed and to take actions to complete them”.